Dr. Siegel releases spiritual journey book on faith commonalities
On November 10, 2026, San Diego-based veteran psychiatrist Dr. Edward Siegel released A Spiritual Journey: To Know the Creator Despite Limitations of the Brain. Concerned by the divisiveness too often created by religions, he set out to uncover similarities among the world’s major religions that are frequently overlooked amid doctrinal, traditional and practical differences. His work draws on over 50 years of experience and personal spiritual journey.
Dr. Siegel argues that religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Vodun, despite their distinct beliefs and practices, share a fundamental concern with humanity’s relationship to the Creator, the expectations placed upon humans and the search for spiritual understanding. He captures these similarities succinctly in his 85-word “laconic synthesis” revealed in Chapter Two, which became the foundation for the book. “Although each religion is comprised of elements that are seen and experienced as different, at their very core, there are striking, but seldom acknowledged, similarities,” Dr. Siegel writes.
The volume includes contributions from six major faith traditions via reflections by Ben Vereen, the entertainer and speaker; the Dalai Lama; Jose Manuel Delgado, M.D., Ph.D., a former Yale professor; Kathak dancer Purnima Jha from India; Kolawole Idji, former President of the Parliament of Benin; award-winning author Kitty Morse; and Dr. Anne Seifert, an epidemiologist. These address rituals, symbols, music, food and personal experiences to show how spiritual meaning is sought within varied traditions.
Key quotations address the nature of religion and its survival. “I’ve come to believe that as long as a religion provides a sense of belonging and spirituality, it will survive,” Dr. Siegel added. “We should never try to disprove a religion. Religion need not be based on proven fact; but rather on the mutual experiencing of appreciation, positivity, and tradition, while sharing the mysteries of faith and belief.” The book concludes with a section of 48 bonus reflections.
Edward Siegel, M.D., is a California psychiatrist with more than 50 years of clinical experience. Throughout his career, he has combined interests in medicine, neuroscience, philosophy, spirituality, music, and public education. In addition to his psychiatric practice, he has been active as a lecturer, pianist, and community advocate. He received national media attention for his campaign to lower the key of the United States National Anthem so that singers can reach its high notes. His lifelong interest in the relationship between the human brain and spiritual experience led to the writing of A Spiritual Journey: To Know the Creator Despite Limitations of the Brain.
